Police believe death not suspicious

Christchurch Police investigating the death of a man in South Hagley Park today say the death is not believed to be suspicious.

The body, which was found by a member of the public at around 12.40 this afternoon, has been tentatively identified as that of a 19-year old man, resident in Christchurch.

The name of the deceased will not be released until the identity has been formally confirmed and next of kin have been notified.

Detective Senior Sergeant Darryl Sweeney says initial enquiries and a forensic examination at the scene indicate there are no suspicious circumstances to the death.

He says the body was located in an open, steep-sided drainage canal, which had approximately 30 centimetres of water in it. It is likely to have been in the water for several hours prior to being discovered.

The matter will now be referred to the Coroner, who will make a final determination as to the cause of death.

The body has been removed from the scene this afternoon. A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out tomorrow.

ENDS

Note: no further media updates expected today.

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